Catholic Churches of NCC includes: Saint Patrick Parish Seneca WI; Saint Philip Parish Rolling Ground WI; Saint Mary Parish Gays Mills WI; St James Cemetery Rising Sun WI; Kneeland Cemetery Seneca WI catholicchurchesofncc.com

Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross       September 14, 2025

St. Mary, St. Patrick, St. Philip Parishes

Mail address for all three parishes:   PO Box 35, Seneca WI 54654

Website: https://www.catholicchurchesofncc.com

Confessions: Normally, 30 minutes before every

Mass and by appointment.

Normal Monthly Eucharistic Adoration:

St. Patrick: First Friday after the 8:30 AM Mass

St. Philip: First Sunday after the 10:30 AM Mass

Mass Intentions This Week

Pastor: Fr. Tom Huff – frtomhuff@gmail.com St. Patrick's Rectory 608-734-3252

Bookkeeper: Angie Martin -- 608-734-3931 stpatricks.seneca.bookkeeper@gmail.com

Bulletin/Mass Intentions/Membership: Yvonne Hady -- 608 485-2109 hadyy@mwt.net

Bulletin Information Deadline: Tuesdays at 4:00 PM. Bulletin is posted on our website.

UPCOMING PARISH EVENTS

Sun., Sept. 14th:   St. Patrick’s Pork Chop Dinner

Mass Schedule Changes:         St. Mary’s at 8:30 AM, St. Patrick’s at 10:00 AM

St. Philip’s at 10:30 AM with Msgr. Scheckel     Root Beer Floats after Mass on Sept. 14th

Wed., Sept. 17 Adult Faith Study at St. Mary’s, 7:00 PM

Sat. & Sun., September 27th and 28th Apple Fest Pancake Breakfast at Community Building serving 7-11:30 AM both mornings

Additional Mass at St. Mary’s on Saturday at 4:00 PM

From the Priest’s Corner: Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The Cross is the most widely recognized symbol of Christianity. And on the 14th September each year we celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. There used to be two feasts of the Holy Cross in the liturgical year; the Finding of the Cross on May 3rd and the Exaltation of the Cross on 14^th of September.

They commemorated respectively the discovery of the Cross in Jerusalem by Saint Helena in the 4^th century, and the recovery of the Cross by the Emperor Heraclius in the year 629AD, after it had been carried away by the Persians. These were historical events that the Church has now combined into one celebration on September 14th.

So, what meaning does the Cross of Jesus have for us? What does it stand for? The best answer will be found by asking: What was the meaning of the Cross to Jesus? It was the full and final expression of the love of God for His people. Jesus was born to be Emmanuel or “God with us” and He died as “God with us”.

He could have escaped from the cross. In the Garden He told His disciples that He could command twelve legions of angels to come to His aid. But if He did so, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled?

God knew that some would reject His Son and His work of salvation. The history of the Old Testament had been filled with unfaithfulness and rejection of God's love. But the life and the death of Jesus is one of total faithfulness and love. His was the sacrificial offering of a Person who lived with perfect love and self-giving, freely handing His life over to God the Father for the salvation of humanity.

The cross of Jesus has been called the throne of glory. A most painful one, experienced by the Son, who is both fully human and fully divine. In the crucifixion we can see both the depths of human sin and abasement and the heights of God’s forgiveness, love and power.

He came into our world as one of us, to abide with us, and make present among us God's love and forgiveness. He came not just to restore us to the life that had been offered to Adam and Eve at the beginning, but to lead us to a higher type of life. His death on the cross made it possible for us to share in His divine life, and to one day experience this life in His Father’s kingdom.

My parent's home had a large crucifix in the living room. I hope everyone here has a crucifix in a prominent place somewhere in your home, as a daily reminder of God's wondrous act of love as He accomplished His work of salvation for us!

Knights of Columbus Invitation: You are invited to put your faith in action! The Knights of Columbus are having a recruitment drive. This will be for the council in Seneca. Contact Gregory Helgersen, Field Agent – 608-462-3372 or gregory.helgersen@kofc.com

St. Philip Announcements:

St. Philip Candles: Contact Bonnie Murphy. The cost is $5 per candle.

Candles for Sept. 14th

• Sanctuary – Health of Mary McCoy Marholz (Janet McCormick)

• BVM – 69^th Anniversary of +Fritz & Izzy Farrell from their Children

• St. Joseph – Soul of Virginia Murphy (Janet McCormick)

Root Beer Floats after Mass on Sept. 14.

St. Mary Announcements:

Rosary – 30 minutes before Mass -- St. Mary’s Church is open each day from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. You are welcome to stop in to pray and/or light a candle for your special intention.

First Sunday Potluck – Potluck brunch after Mass each first Sunday of the month. All are welcome, dish to share is appreciated, but not required. Next potluck is Sunday, Oct. 5^th.

St. Mary’s Religious Education Classes will begin September 17. We are in need of at least 1 additional teacher this year. Further questions, contact Yvonne Hady at 485-2109 or hadyy@mwt.net

Apple Fest Pancake Breakfast is Sat. and Sun., Sept. 27 & 28. Contact Yvonne Hady if you would like more information 485-2109 or hadyy@mwt.net

St. Patrick Announcements:

St. Patrick’s Religious Education:
Religious Education class schedule starts Sept 21 following Mass at 8:15, taking the week of the bazaar off.

Fall Dinner/Bazaar Sunday, September 14th

Smoked Pork Chop Dinner is served from 11- 2 pm that day with a pie auction, games and basket raffle.

Life Guardian Apple Pies: $10 for 9” pie. Order yours now. Contact Pat Dearth or any Life Guardian member.

VOCATION REFLECTION MINI-RETREAT October 12, 2025, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.  St Rose Convent. This in-person mini-retreat is an opportunity for young adults, ages 18- 30 discerning their call and exploring options for their future to visit the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in LaCrosse, WI for a time of guidance and reflection. Come practice discernment methods and hear how others have gained the clarity of purpose they seek. All are invited to come early for Catholic Mass at 10 a.m. and free lunch is included. For more information call 608-782-5610 or email vocations@fspa.org.

Pilgrimage to Mexico with Fr. Tim - Marian Messengers

February 8-13 Come and visit Our Lady of Guadalupe with Fr. Tim Oudenhoven. We will be walking the actual steps of St. Juan Diego and learning firsthand of the incredible message and mission that Mary has for us!

For More information visit: www.marianmessengers.org or call 800-842-4842 (Select International Tours in partnership with Theology of the Body Institute)

Tri-Parish Prayer List – We want to pray for the ill and others in our parishes who need ongoing prayer. To be placed on or to place someone on our prayer list, please call: Sue Peterson 608-735-4865, Bonnie Murphy 608-386-4954, or Ica Boylen 608-734-3287.

Income from Last Week

DIOCESE OF LA CROSSE GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING INSTANCES OF CHILD ABUSE:

The Diocese of La Crosse, through its policies and procedures, seeks to provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (bishop, priest, deacon, employee, religious, vendor or volunteer). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should send that report to Mrs. Teresa Brown, Complaint Intake Agent, at the Diocese of La Crosse, P.O. Box 4004, La Crosse, WI 54602-4004. Alternatively, you can contact Mrs. Brown at 608.791.0179 or intakeagent@diolc.org. The reporting form is available through the Diocese of La Crosse Office of Safe Environment or on the diocesan website at: diolc.org/safe-environment/reporting. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. Copies of the diocesan policy are available through your local parish and on the diocesan website. If you have any questions about the Diocese of La Crosse and the implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Teresa Brown, Diocese of La Crosse, at 608.791.2679 or tbrown@diolc.org.